CHEWING gum is a problem that has blighted Blackburn's footpaths for many years.

But CCTV cameras may soon be brought in to catch the 'spitting gum' offenders and bring them to justice.

And Blackburn with Darwen Council is considering introducing a pilot scheme to stick used gum to pictures of unpopular public figures, like Saddam Hussein, which is being pioneered in Bournemouth.

It has reduced the amount of gum on the streets but some people have labelled it as disgusting.

So who would you stick your gum on? Telegraph reporter HELEN PRIEST took to the streets to find out what people think about the great gum menace.

RAYMOND Whittaker, 77, of The Croft, Blackburn, said: "Anything that reduces the mess of the chewing gum in the town centre is a good thing but there's no way it will be resolved completely.

"If I had to have anyone up on pictures it would be Maggie Thatcher because she's ruined a lot of lives and put a lot of people out of work."

Rovers fan Darren Whiteoak, 35, of Douglas Place, Blackburn, said: "I think it's a good idea and I'd have Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson up there. We'll probably slaughter them again in the semi-finals."

Harry Watson, 73, and Joan Watson, 75, live in Rockcliffe Street, Blackburn. Harry said: "I've had chewing gum stuck to my shoes many times and it's absolutely disgusting.

"Without a doubt it would be Margaret Thatcher up there. But I think she would come and take it off if she saw it."

Richard Scholes, 82, of Feniscliffe, Blackburn, said: "The town centre is a real mess with all the gum around and I think if they get the boards up and impose the fines that will be a good thing.

"If anyone had to be up there it would have to be Roy Keane because I don't like all his activities on the pitch."

Robert Dawson, 60, of Cob Wall, Blackburn, said: "If they were used then it would be a great thing because the town centre is a real disgrace.

"I think if the town was clean and more people saw it clean it would stay that way."

Jean Dawson, 59, of Cob Wall, Blackburn, said: "I'd have John Prescott up there because of his attitude to the firefighters and the transport system.

"This place really does need a good clean up."